Interní Med. 2012; 14(12): 458-460

Diuretics and beta blockers in treating hypertension

prof.MUDr.Jiří Vítovec, CSc., FESC¹, prof.MUDr.Jindřich Špinar, CSc.²

¹ I. interní kardioangiologická klinika LF MU FN u sv. Anny, Brno

² Interní kardiologická klinika LF MU a FN Brno

In treating high blood pressure, both diuretics and beta blockers are among the primary drugs for blood pressure control; however, due

to their metabolic adverse effects, they are not among the first-choice drugs in uncomplicated hypertension. Diuretics are administered

in edema, cardiac failure, isolated systolic hypertension, and in elderly patients. Beta blockers are used in all forms of ischemic heart

disease, including post-myocardial infarction conditions, in cardiac failure, and in increased sympathetic tone with hyperkinetic circulation.

Clear indications, inappropriate indications, and contraindications for these antihypertensive drugs are explained. The article

highlights inappropriate use of both hydrochlorothiazide and atenolol alone in the treatment of uncomplicated hypertension, which

does not apply to fixed combinations of diuretics with ACE inhibitors or sartans.

Keywords: diuretics, beta blockers, hypertension

Published: January 1, 2013  Show citation